Shamakhi is an ancient Azerbaijan city. It started in the 5th century BC. In the 9 th -16 th centuries it was the capital of Shirvan Empire, a residence of Shirvan Dynasty it is by right considered one of the most beautiful cities of the Orient. In the mid-18 th century it used to be the center of Shamakhi Khanate. Present day Shamakhi is a recognized center of winemaking and carpet weaving. Besides, it is a city of literature since it was the native land of many Azerbaijani poets. Right near Shamakhi there is an amazing place called Pirkuli famous for its snowy hills. It is probably the only place in sunny Azerbaijan where you can enjoy active winter pastime: skiing and snowboarding.
